Project Manager-Development, Sr. at Tallgrass in Houston, TX

Project Manager-Development, Sr.

Location: Houston, TX, United States

Primary purpose:

Lead full-lifecycle project management for power plant and large gas plant developments—from concept and FEED through EPC execution, commissioning, and handover to operations. Partner with Tallgrass commercial, development, and operations teams to deliver major capital projects on schedule, on budget, and to safety, quality, and environmental standards. Serve as the owner's project leader with EPC contractors, OEMs, and other stakeholders through commercial operations.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Lead power plant and/or large gas plant capital projects to achieve schedule, budget, safety, quality, reliability, and environmental objectives.

• Own EPC execution strategy (contracting, interface management, risk allocation, and stage-gate readiness); direct internal teams and EPC/OEM/vendor resources as the owner's representative through construction, commissioning, and turnover.

• Develop scopes, Class-level estimates, bid packages, budgets, and critical-path schedules; lead competitive contractor selection and manage performance through closeout.

• Establish project controls for cost, schedule, change management, risk, and cash flow; prepare monthly forecasts and report status, variances, and risks to senior leadership.

• Lead multi-discipline project teams (internal staff and external providers) and coordinate with operations and maintenance from concept through commercial operations readiness.

• Drive commercial, interconnection/offtake, and operations milestones; interface with offtakers, regulators, Tallgrass staff, and other stakeholders.

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations and Tallgrass policies, procedures, and best practices.

• Present project proposals, status, and risks to executive leadership, agencies, and other stakeholders as required.

• Travel approximately 10–25% (higher during peak construction or commissioning). Other duties as assigned.

Minimum requirements – Education:

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or a related field from an accredited institution (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

Experience / Specific Knowledge:

• Minimum of 20 years progressive project management and/or engineering experience on major capital projects, with substantial direct experience delivering power plants and/or large gas plants (e.g., combined-cycle, simple-cycle, cogeneration/CHP, or comparable large gas plant facilities).

• Demonstrated leadership of large EPC projects through FEED, detailed engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and operations turnover—as owner's project manager, owner's engineer lead, EPC project manager, or equivalent.

• Strong project management skills including WBS-based scoping and estimating; cost and schedule control; design and construction management; team building; resource planning; procurement; and permitting.

• Executed at least one major capital project with Total Installed Cost (TIC) of USD 200 million or more; experience supporting major-project portfolios on the order of USD 1 billion preferred.

• Advanced Primavera (P6) experience for schedule development and control; strong cost-control and executive reporting background.

• Working knowledge of applicable regulations and agencies (e.g., OSHA, EPA, state energy/environmental regulators, interconnection) and familiarity with industry codes/standards typical of power generation and large gas plants (e.g., ASME, IEEE, NFPA, API, NEC, OEM/EPC specifications).

• Strong analytical skills to develop concepts with Commercial and Development, including basic economic analysis for project justification.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including presentations to business segment leaders and internal/external stakeholders; proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook; Project/Access as applicable).

Certifications, Licenses & Registrations:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record satisfactory to the company and its insurers (for travel).

Competencies, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with company and third-party personnel (including EPC contractors and OEMs); able to resolve conflicts and lead multi-discipline teams.

• Analytical, financially literate problem-solver; works independently with executive accountability while managing multiple priorities under strict deadlines.

• Professional, collaborative, and adaptable; organizes and prioritizes work, maintains confidentiality as required, and upholds a high regard for personal safety, company assets, employees, and the public.

• Job level commensurate with experience and skill sets; position will be filled depending on qualifications of the successful candidate.

Physical Demands:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Primarily office-based (sitting, standing, computer use; regularly lift/move up to 10 lbs and occasionally up to 50 lbs), with field work at construction and industrial sites that may include uneven terrain, heavy equipment, climbing, stooping, kneeling, and confined spaces.

Working Conditions:

Primarily office-based, with outdoor/field work that may include extreme weather. Must follow established safety policies and procedures. Overtime or extended hours may be required during commissioning, outages, or emergencies. Must carry a cell phone and be available to respond as needed. Employment is contingent on clearing a drug screen and background check (including credit report for certain positions) after an offer is extended.

Supervisory Responsibility:

Technical direction and oversight of staff, EPC contractors, OEMs, and other third parties; may provide direct or matrix supervision.

Above the minimum requirements; not required but advantageous in this position:

• Registered Professional Engineer (P.E.) and/or Project Management Professional (PMP).

• Combined-cycle or large gas-fired generation experience, including OEM interface, balance-of-plant (BOP), and interconnection.